Only in America

Some U.S. churches are arming and training their congregations to fight back against an active shooter. Fellowship of the Parks church in Fort Worth encourages off-duty police officers to attend services fully armed and has recently hired the company Sheepdog Defense Group to train congregants in active-shooter defense. “Ten years ago, this industry was not a thing,” said SDG founder David Riggall. “I mean, ‘sanctuary’ means a safe place.”

Michigan State University is advising employees to avoid saying “no problem” to customers. In a presentation called “Inclusive and Culturally Sensitive Service,” an MSU official said that “no problem” is a “trigger’’ that could lead “a customer to believe that they could be a problem.” It’s more “calming,” the official said, to say “You’re welcome.”

FEC chair challenges voter fraud claims

The chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission fired back at President Trump’s claims at a New Hampshire rally last week that he lost the state in 2016 because of voter fraud, charging that the assertion was “damaging to our democracy.” In a letter to the White House this week, Ellen Weintraub, a Democrat, challenged Trump to provide proof. “There comes a time,” Weintraub wrote in the letter, “when you need to lay your cards on the table or fold.” Trump has repeatedly asserted that fraud cost him the popular vote. However, a commission led by former Kansas governor and immigration hard-liner Kris Kobach to investigate claims of widespread electoral fraud was disbanded without turning up any evidence.